I’m completely crushed. There aren’t words to describe what those stores — especially the Downer location — mean to me. I realize I’ll still have the “new” store there to go to (and I’m fully confident the employees will keep the vibe I love so much), but dammit, this is depressing. This is a void no crappy chain store (Borders, I’m especially looking at you, but Barnes & Noble, you’re not much better) could ever fill.

2 Comments to I feel like someone’s punched me in the gut

Dad1/19/2009

I can completely relate. The same thing has been happening in my industry for some time now. The independents are falling, while the sterile big box stores multiply like a fungus. Now you know why I wince whenever somebody says they went to Petco (or PSP, or PetSmart, etc.)

mom1/19/2009

Too sad. This is really awful, worse than Heinemann’s, but I am very happy at least 2 of the stores will have a second chance. Kudos to the folks that stepped up to make that happen.